Topic: Congressman Charlie!!

The following letter was sent via e-mail to U.S. Congressman Charles Bass (R-NH) following his recent appearance on WAMC-FM's Congressional Corner, a daily segment within The RoundTable program.
Your feedback appreciated.

Subject: Hey Charlie!!!!
Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 11:44:51
From: "WAMC Northeast Pirate Network, G. M. Heller, editor"
Organization: WAMC Northeast Pirate Network
To: cbass@mail.house.gov
Dear Charlie (See how inappropriate it is to be addressing you in this fashion?),
I heard your interview on WAMC-FM with interviewer Alan Chartock.
I just wish Mr. Chartock would refer to you on-air as 'Congressman Bass.'
I never hear Tim Russert, George Stephanopolous, or Bob Schieffer referring to their respective Sunday morning TV guests on-air by first names.
When a Congressman is being interviewed on local radio, I similarly do not think first name familiarity is appropriate.
To me, it not only takes away from the office, but over the long term it is demeaning to the office holder.
Be honest: Would you expect to hear Mr. Chartock go on-air and address Senator Kennedy as Ted or Teddy?
I doubt it.
Thus, if you would not expect to hear Senator Kennedy addressed on-air in that fashion, why is it okay for Charlie to be addressed on-air that way?
Get my drift, Congressman?
Very truly yours,
G. M. Heller, editor
WAMC Northeast Pirate Network
Monterey, MA
Washington, D.C.
Website: www.wamc.net